NEW YORK — "Saturday Night Live" had some fun with anticipation over Sunday's "Breaking Bad" finale with help from Aaron Paul in a surprise cameo.

Paul, who plays Walter White's drug compatriot Jesse Pinkman in the Emmy-winning AMC series, appeared in the opening segment of the new "SNL" season. He portrayed one of several average Americans joining President Barack Obama to testify to the need for health care coverage.

Paul mentioned a "friend" who badly needed health care when he got sick with cancer. "The man was a teacher with a family," interjected Obama, played by "SNL" cast member Jay Pharoah.

"He did what any of us would have done," Paul said. "He started cooking meth. And soon it wasn't just meth, it was murder. And not regular murder, he blew half a guy's face off."

Not pleased with the example, Obama sought to usher him off the stage.

"No," said Obama, shaking his head. He was joined by several people on stage for the mock presidential speech who gave Paul a stop sign.

The "Breaking Bad" series finale airs Sunday. Fans are curious about what happens to White, the cancer-stricken teacher whose desire to provide for his family turns him into a drug lord.

Former "SNL" chief writer and cast member Tina Fey was host of the late-night show's opener, drawing a connection to the past in what is shaping up as a transition year with the introduction of several new cast members.